CALIFORNIAN: Food and wine always a hit at TVBWF

LAKE SKINNER ---- If you want to avoid the crowds of a concert
and you just want to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Lake
Skinner and sip some wine, Friday marks the start of wine tasting
that will span all three days.

Wine-tasting hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Wine tasting is an
additional charge, and you may purchase six (1-ounce) tastes and a
souvenir glass for $15. Individual beverage tickets cost $2. New
this year is a special Reserve Tasting package featuring six
tastings (2 ounces), a reserve glass and tastings of the top wines
for $25.

Early risers can get started Saturday morning (also Sunday),
with gates opening at 6 a.m. for the hot air balloon launches.
Balloon rides must be reserved in advance by contacting
800-965-2122 and are subject to cancellation because of high winds
or poor weather conditions.

Saturday also marks the start of the Food & Wine Pairing
events. There are three seatings ---- two on Saturday and one on
Sunday. Each features three executive chefs and three winemakers
who pair their wines with a chef's specialty. Chefs prepare the
meals, sharing tips on preparation and recipes.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, foodies will enjoy an appetizer
from Shorty's Bistro at Mount Palomar Winery, salad from D'Canters
Wine Bar & Grill in Wildomar, and a main course from Creekside
Grille at Wilson Creek Winery. Award-winning wines from Mount
Palomar, Wiens Family Cellars and Wilson Creek Winery will be
paired with the menu

Shorty's specialty is authentic Mediterranean appetizers,
sandwiches and homemade soups. D'Canters is known infusing the
flavors of New Orleans with their award-winning American Cuisine.
Creekside Grille's executive chef Steve Stawinski is respected for
his commitment to creating seasonal dishes utilizing sustainable
produce and seafood.

The Saturday afternoon seating offers a unique early dinner or
late lunch from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It features appetizers by Rustico
Ristorante & Pizzeria, salad by Raviolis and the main course
from Soro's Mediterranean Grill in Old Town Temecula. Wines paired
with the late seating include Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Palumbo
Family Vineyards & Winery, and Frangipani Estate Winery. This
is truly a Mediterranean menu with quality, freshly made Italian
selections from Rustico and Raviolis. Soros offers a tasting blend
of Italian, French, Indian, Greek, Spanish and Asian styles, with a
unique and varied menu. Saturday Food & Wine Pairing tickets
cost $72 per person and include festival general admission for
Saturday.

Sunday's fare served from noon to 3 p.m. features appetizers
from Francesca's Italian Kitchen, salad from Gourmet Italia, and
main course from the Gambling Cowboy of Old Town Temecula. Wines
paired for the afternoon are from Atwood Estate Vineyards, Briar
Rose Winery, and Boorman Vineyards. Sunday Food & Wine Pairing
tickets are $65 per person and include general admission to the
festival on Sunday.

For tickets or more festival information, visit tvbwf.com or
call 951-676-6713.